Journal

'THERE'S AN EXPRESSION IN AUSTRALIA THAT'S CALLED "GO BUSH", WHICH MEANS TO GET OUT OF THE CITY AND RELAX. I TRY AND 'GO BUSH' TO PLACES WHERE THERE'S NO CELL RECEPTION... FOR THE MOST PART, IT'S JUST A STATE OF MIND', CATE BLANCHETT.

IT'S ABOUT THAT time of year in Australia when the weather begins to start bearing down with, what could be described, as a slightly over-exaggerated heat. It goes from zero to one hundred with little to no warning. So what do we do? We start planning our holiday in December, of course!

We're wrapping up some of the most incredible holiday destinations on the east coast of Australia.

HALCYON HOUSELocated between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, Cabarita Beach was something of a "locals only" spot. That was until Halcyon House moved in and quickly became one of Australia's most luxurious holiday getaways. Sisters, Siobhan and Elisha Bickle, enlisted the architectural prowess of Virginia Kerridge and design stylings of Anna Spiro to transform this beachside motel into luxury lodgings set to evoke nostalgia and inspire you to make memories. Between poolside cocktails, dinners at Paper Daisy and each individually designed room, Halcyon House has defined a new kind of contemporary Australian holiday-making!

PRETTY BEACH HOUSELess than two hours from Sydney CBD, Pretty Beach is the perfect option for those wanting a quick out-of-towner to a destination that feels a million miles away. Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Pretty Beach is the very best of the Australian landscape - beautiful coastline and national park surrounds. However, not to be outdone by the beautiful landscape that surrounds it, the oh-so luxurious Pretty Beach House is one to save for a special occasion. With everything catered for, be prepared to relax and rejuvenate... after all, that is all you'll need to worry about over the course of your stay!

WOLLEMI WILDERNESS TREEHOUSENot fussed about being by the beach come summer time? 'Go bush' instead and book a secluded getaway at the Wollemi Wilderness Treehouse in the Blue Mountains. This luxury treehouse-style lodging is the next step up from clamping, with the only sound to awake you come sunrise is birds chirping. With very little close-by, we advise grabbing some delicious food and wine en route and settling into the huge spa-bath overlooking the valley.

DRIFT HOUSEAs we venture further south, we find ourselves in the neighbouring state of Victoria at Port Fairy's Drift House. This converted house comprises four guest rooms - each uniquely designed and styled. These luxurious spaces are built for dining in, with the maxibars stocked to the hilt with gourmet pasta, sauce, cheese, wine, cider and other treats! To really maximise that feeling of 'I'm finally on holiday', take a dip in the heated swimming pool... or venture to the nearby Port Fairy Bay!